OT: Moving to PEI - Am I being idealistic?

[storybookstory]

I'm glad you wrote "kids play outside". We'd like to see that - for some reason we don't see kids play outside much here.

I also like that music is very much a routine part of island culture. We came across on the ferry once and there were 3 young teen children playing celtic music as entertainment. It seems that learning to play music (and not just rock music) is a integral part of the culture there.

This weekend I was at my sister's house and one of her neighbors had a friend over who was playing bagpipes. Most of my family found it annoying but I liked it very much. I realized then that there are MANY things that I like that my family think are weird.

Now for some more specific questions:

Employer granted vacation time--

From what I read the province requires all employers to give 2 weeks paid vacation time, even for part-time employees. Is that right?

Are there any employers on the Island that give more than 2 weeks? That is one consideration for us - I get 5 weeks vacation where I am now, and that would be tough to give up. Especially since we would be moving away from family, we would need that time to travel back to visit.

How often to you find you go "off island"? Is it more scary in the winter (I've only ever crossed it in nice weather). It doesn't seem like there is a discounted rate for residents for the bridge -that seems odd to me - they should give some kind of discount for residents? Is the bridge owned and operated by the Canadian government? EDIT: WOW - I found my answer on today's Guardian http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=154604&sc=98 I guess this is a sore point!!

Any good PEI blogs out there?

Thanks!!

Sally

 

[DisneyFreak06]

Not all children play outside. I am a teacher and I can see a difference in the ones that do not. Besides at school, where they are forced to play outside and not allowed to take out their electronic games, some of them would probably not be outside. Sad, but it happens here too, maybe not to the same extent.

Music is not everywhere. Depending on where you live, you see less of the traditional (ex. Celtic) music. Growing up in Charlottetown, I never saw anything traditional. But when I visited my mom's family in the Acadian part of the Island, I heard lots of traditional Acadian music. Only no one in my family played. I guess it depends on whether or not you come from a musical family. Mom says that no one in her family played or sang or danced, but yet one of her first cousins is a professional (I guess) musician.

The more rural you go, the more of the traditional stuff you will see, I believe. I think you'd see a little more in Summerside though.

 

[B&B Mom]

Hi there again....Here is a link to a forum on PEI. I don't use it but here it is:

http://peiinfo.com/forums/


As far as kids playing outside, it probably depends on your children and your family in general. We love to be outside and that has translated to our children we encourage them to enjoy being outside exploring and being active. The only downside to it is the mosquito's. They can be pretty bad at dusk.

I'm by no means an expert about hiring practices and benefits, but I feel safe in saying that if you are working fulltime you will start with three weeks vacation and be eligible for an increase in time as your employment continues. Really depends on your employer. There may be options for time off without pay!!?? But that can cut into Disney savings!

Travelling by car in the winter can be a challenge by times. Most people use their own judgement when it comes to venturing out on snowy roads. After a big storm it can take a day or two(maybe more) to get all the roads passable. That depends on where you live. The city town areas will be open sooner then the country areas. The driving conditions on the bridge are constantly monitored so if it's open they'll be people travelling. We do like to get off the island and frequently travel to Moncton and Halifax.

 

[storybookstory]

Just some more questions-

Are all the stores etc. really closed on Sundays? Is this everything - grocery stores too? This is not necessarily a disadvantage, just wondering.

Also, where do you think the high school are best - Summerside or Charlottetown? I think there are two? high schools in C'town, is one any better than the other?

Does Charlottetown have a nice community center with a public indoor pool, etc?

 

[B&B Mom]

At present, stores are open on Sunday's on a seasonal basis...Victoria Day until Christmas. After that, the grocery stores, malls, hardware are all closed. The pharmacy's, convenience stores, and book stores are open year round. Now....I think that this issue is due to be debated when local MLA's meet again.

There is a wonderful facility at UPEI which is open to the public. It has a great pool and a couple of rinks too. LINK: http://www.caripei.ca/about.cfm

As far as High school's go, there are two right in Charlottetown and one in Summerside. There are others in surrounding communities also. I don't really have much input...sorry. Maybe someone else can help with that.